Seven restraining devices, designed to protect a small child in the event of an automobile collision, were tested dynamically for the Division of Accident Prevention, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, by New York University. The tests were conducted at the Dynamic Test Facility, of the American Safety Equipment Corporation. The tests simulated both head-on and intersection collisions.
Basic to this study is the recognition that adequate restraining devices specifically designed for children are essential, that those currently available can prevent injuries or lessen the severity of injuries in some accidents, and that new knowledge gained through research can be applied in developing more effective devices for the protection of children in automobiles. We also recognize that this study is but one step, and that continued progress will depend on a continuing search for knowledge in biomechanics.
The evaluation of these devices is based, in part, upon the results of the dynamic test. In addition, the ease with which the device is adjusted to fit the child and the method of attachment to the automobile is taken into account. In rating the devices tested, neither the Public Health Service nor New York University implies endorsement of any product.
The deceleration of the anthropometric dummy exceeds that of the sled by 30 to 230 per cent. The major deficiency in all of the devices is their lack of lateral restraint.
The conclusions drawn from these tests should be of value to the designers of restraining devices for children.
